Open Minds Staff

Name: Santiago Mones Ruiz

Classroom: All of them

Hometown: La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Hobbies: I love playing and studying chess, learning programming, cooking, hiking, skating, and practicing calisthenics.

Passion for Teaching: What excites me the most is teaching the universal language of music, which transcends any idiomatic barrier. I also love seeing how children remember the smallest things we teach them every day.

Favorite Snack: Dulce de leche, authentic gelato ice cream, granola, mixed nuts, tropical fruits.

Name: Karen Hernandez

Classroom: All of them

Hometown: Venezuela

Hobbies: I enjoy doing pilates, playing padel, going to the gym, and hiking with my family. I also love traveling, exploring new places, reading, and continually learning.

Passion for Teaching: I love learning about children’s unique perspectives, and the little moments when a child excitedly shares their discovery. I also love sparking their creativity.

Favorite Snack: Milk chocolate, fruits, cookies, arepas, and teas (caffeine-free)

Name: Ana

Classroom: I work alongside the teachers to plan, design, and develop the curriculum, so I spend a little time in each classroom.

Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hobbies: Spending time with my family, Nico my husband, and my daughters: Alba and Francisca. Exercising. Going to the forest.

Passion for Teaching: When I’m in the classroom with the children, I lose track of time, and I’m passionate about observing what they are trying to learn for themselves. Supporting the questions they ask to explore what interests them is my favorite activity in the world.

Favorite Snack: Argentine pastries.

Name: Claudia Santana Rodríguez

Classroom: None – I’m at the Front Desk

Hometown: I grew up in the Canary Islands, in an island called Gran Canaria.

Hobbies: Currently I’m pretty obsessed with padel, and whenever I have some free time, I head to Treasure Island to burn off some energy. Additionally, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing cards and board games, and traveling.

Passion for Teaching: It is very rewarding to see the children growing and developing at their own pace. Observing those moments when they are integrating new concepts, understanding, and blooming is really beautiful.

Favorite Snack: Kinder Bueno, sea salt kettle chips with Coke, and healthy snacks (hummus, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, bananas, and apples with Nuttzo).

Name: Lilian García

Classroom: Tierra

Hometown: I spent my childhood in Guatemala and my adolescence/adulthood in Oakland

Hobbies: I like spending time with my family & friends. I enjoy working out, going on nature walks, going to the movies, and drawing.

Passion for Teaching: What I love about teaching is that it doesn’t feel like work. Every day is fun and exciting, watching children’s creativity, curiosity, and imagination unfold. I love being able to provide them with knowledge that will help their growth and development. And I also get to learn from them.

Favorite Snack: Ruffles cheddar cheese or sour cream and onion, as well as ice cream.

Name: Jesús Bolívar

Classroom: Supporting teachers and staff

Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela

Hobbies: Trail running and skiing with my family.

Passion for Teaching: Helping families and creating lifelong friendships.

Favorite Snack: Arepas and dark chocolate.

Name: Oscar José Solorzano Acevedo

Classroom: In charge of pick-ups in after school. Occasional assistant in the classrooms.

Hometown: Villa de Cura, Venezuela

Hobbies: Watching movies and sports events. Listening to music.

Passion for Teaching: The ability of children to learn when the motivation is good.

Favorite Snack: Chocolate cakes

Name: Yuny Y. Hurtado

Classroom: I am a Psychopedagogist and Professor specializing in Learning Difficulties. Currently, I am part of the infant program.

Hometown: I grew up in Venezuela.

Hobbies: When I’m outside the classroom, I enjoy going to the movies, attending concerts, and playing cards.

Passion for Teaching: What I love about teaching is seeing the children’s faces light up when they understand a story or something you’re teaching them.

Favorite Snack: I love homemade cakes.

Name: Catherine Caraballo

Classroom: Tierra

Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia

Hobbies: Spending time with my children. I have two boys, one is 17 years old, and the other is 10. I enjoy going to church; I am a Christian.

Passion for Teaching: I like knowing that I will leave a lasting impact on each child. I also learn a little from each one of them.

Favorite Snack: Donuts, pastries, madeleines.

Name: Arahely Hernández

Classroom: Luna

Hometown: Guatemala

Hobbies: Reading books, cooking, exercising, listening to music, going to the movies, dining at nice places

Passion for Teaching: The innocence and light of children; also their creativity and energy, which is contagious. It’s beautiful to be part of the development of children.

Favorite Snack: Fruits and Cheetos

Name: Sinai Arias

Classroom: Agua

Hometown: Oakland, USA

Hobbies: I enjoy cooking and baking. I like to look up new recipes and learn new techniques in the kitchen. I also enjoy going on walks at the beach with my dog and playing with other puppy friends.

Passion for Teaching: I love getting to know each child’s different personality and creating a unique bond with each of them. I also enjoy seeing their individual growth throughout the year and how they reach milestones at their own pace.

Favorite Snack: I enjoy drinking coffee and trying new coffee shops and flavors. I also enjoy spicy foods, especially chips.

Name: Vicky

Classroom: Sol

Hometown: Guatemala

Hobbies: Going on outings with my children

Passion for Teaching: What I enjoy the most is seeing how children develop their skills. I also like seeing their progress and enjoy the moments spent with the children.

Favorite Snack: Carrot cake

Name: Blanca Soto

Classroom: Fuego

Hometown: Mexico

Hobbies: Hiking, trekking

Passion for Teaching: Helping children in their learning and developing their skills

Favorite Snack: Fruit

Name: Majo

Classroom: Fuego

Hometown: Venezuela

Hobbies: Going to the gym.

Passion for Teaching: I enjoy being part of children’s growth. Early childhood shapes a person’s life, and knowing that I am contributing to the formation of future adults makes me very happy. Another thing I love about being a teacher is the connection you can create with your students. Being a teacher is one of the most amazing and rewarding jobs.

Favorite Snack: Melon, watermelon.

Name: Monica Rodriguez

Classroom: Chef

Hometown: Guatemala

Hobbies: Going to the park with my dog.

Passion for Teaching: Interacting with the children.

Favorite Snack: Fruits.

Name: Marta Manriquez

Classroom: Estrella

Hometown: Jalisco, Mexico

Hobbies: Traveling, exploring new places, dancing Zumba.

Passion for Teaching: I enjoy interacting with children and learning from them.

Favorite Snack: Coffee with bread.

Name: Katherine Stefany Guadamuz Brizuela

Classroom: Floater

Hometown: Granada, Nicaragua. During vacations, I used to go to my grandparents’ estate.

Hobbies: Visiting my family, playing with my nephews, doing pedicures, reading books, and watching TV.

Passion for Teaching: I love seeing the ability children have to absorb what we teach them and knowing that we play a crucial role in the child’s development alongside the family.

Favorite Snack: I like green mango and banana.

Name: Elizabeth Valadez

Classroom: Sol

Hometown: Berkeley

Hobbies: Spending time with family and my dogs

Passion for Teaching: I believe that all students are unique and need a teacher that caters to their individual needs in a safe and stimulating environment. I want to create a classroom where students can flourish and explore to reach their full potential. My goal is also to create a warm, loving environment, so students feel safe to take risks and express themselves.

Favorite Snack: Chocolate pretzels

Name: Myah Jhoselynn Bermudez

Classroom: Floater

Hometown: Mexico

Hobbies: Spending time with my family and friends. Shopping.

Passion for Teaching: Everything, especially the detailed activities.

Favorite Snack: Stuffed milanesa with pasta.

Name: Nelly Balladarez

Classroom: Luna

Hometown: Granada, Nicaragua

Hobbies: Spending time with family, visiting new places, going out to eat.

Passion for Teaching: The evolution of children is a rewarding job. I also enjoy their development and learning.

Favorite Snack: Fruits.

Name: Olga Coreas

Classroom: Estrella

Hometown: Jalisco, Mexico

Hobbies: Dancing Mexican folklore, singing, hiking, and enjoying walks in nature.

Passion for Teaching: I love seeing how kids learn, whether it’s little or big things, and how something simple for adults is a huge milestone for them. My favorite part of teaching is the love I share with my students.

Favorite Snack: Ice cream (vanilla, mango, pecan, and coffee flavors).

Name: Silvia Rodríguez

Classroom: Agua

Hometown: Costa Rica

Hobbies: I enjoy exploring places full of nature. I like going on walks and doing crafts.

Passion for Teaching: I really enjoy seeing the changes and progress in children, both emotionally and academically.

Favorite Snack: Red fruits, yogurt, granola with seeds